Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.4 x 4.7in tablet

Sammy finally unveiled the Galaxy Tab to the world at IFA. The Tab certainly packed the specs -- a 1GHz processor, full Flash support thanks to Android 2.2, dual cameras, support for up to 32GB of storage and WiFi / 3G connectivity.

Samsung finally announced that all four major US carriers would be getting Tabs to call their own. Verizon then finally took the lead in announcing pricing, and revealed that its Tab would hit contract-free for $600 -- Sprint followed with the same no-contract pricing along with a $400 two-year contract option.

The screen and bezel do appear less glossy than the iPad -- you'll still want to keep the Windex (or Brasso gadget polish) and chamois close by, though.

There are four touch buttons on the front side, a headphone jack on the top edge and a volume rocker, microSD card slot and power button on the right edge. However, we don't see why Samsung couldn't have made room for a micro-USB port -- you have to charge it and sideload content using Samsung's proprietary charging cable.

The overall build of the device is top-notch, and though it may appear to some like an enlarged Captivate or Fascinate, it feels more solid than those plasticy phone.

The Tab doesn't have a Super AMOLED screen like its Galaxy S smartphone brothers, but the 1024 x 600-resolution LCD is still stunning. It's notably better than most other tablet screens we've seen of late, which, of course, means that the first thing we noticed was its stellar viewing angles. (You know us and our hang-up with viewing angles.) Tilting the screen off-axis doesn't cause color distortion and sharing it with a friend didn't require us to make any adjustments.

The display itself is extremely bright and colors appear extremely crisp. While some have complained that it looks a bit oversaturated, you can adjust the color saturation in the display settings to your liking. As with the iPad, it's hard to make out what's on the glossy display in the sun, but when we took to shooting some video around New York City on a sunny day we were still able to make out all the controls. While the Tab's resolution isn't as high as the iPad's 1024 x 768-resolution IPS panel, the screen does have better pixel density, which translate to a crisper e-book and webpage reading experience than the iPad. (You know how some of us feel about pixel density.)

Just like the Galaxy S phones, the capacitive screen is extremely responsive, and as we said in our preview, easily matches the iPad in terms of sensitivity

All good news indeed. I can see this one being much easier to install than an iPad. I could see this one better on my Infiniti, in the overhead console, since widescreen is so much better anywhere in the dash (as far as easy of installation goes).

However, software support that enjoys the extra screen real state appears to be a concern. Let's see what happens.

BTW, a Xenarc 700TSV is 7.72W x 4.88H x 1.42D; so this one is smaller than a Xenarc (W and H) but dramatically thinner. Only the tab's depth is .42, against 1.47 for the Xenarc, you could stack 3 Samsung tabs and still the Xenarc would be thicker.

What a disgrace. Why can't Xenarc or Lilliput update their form factor? Thinness, brilliance, viewing angles, capacitive touch, multi touch... (easy: if you can get away using 15 year old tech your margin will be higher...provided enough suckers will buy into that).

I currently have a setup consisting of a laptop/docking station mounted in the trunk connected to a Xenarc 700TSV in the dash. While it was a pain to do all the wiring in OEM fashion (none of the wires are visible anywhere), I wouldn't mind replacing it all with a removable all-in-one device like this. The 700TSV fits very sturdily under the map pocket door in my Mazda 6. Assuming the same will be true with this device, the only thing to wire in will be the power connector and audio jack, which is a piece of cake. I'd love to see more interest in this product as a viable replacement for a traditional monitor and PC/laptop setup.

Also keep your eyes open for the Viewsonic Viewpad 7, which is supposed to be released soon.

I've actually been looking for some further specs on the wifi version. Specifically, I'm trying to find out if it will also have gps or they'll go the ipad route and only make that gps available for the 3G version. I've been eying this device as a car pc replacement for my next ride. I guess either way it's only $100 difference

I also wouldn't mind this one installed in a (quasi) non removable fashion, I mean with a bezel letting just the visible screen part showing...

I just would like to know about a solution for turning it on/off via software.

You can most likely customize it somehow into your overhead console, but what about looking up at the directions with Google Maps??? I suppose you can train yourself to only listen for the voice prompt. When I had the JVC in-dash with 3.5" screen I didn't look at it much, only at lights or I'd peek on the freeway.

I guess the only question is sound quality of the audio (music) over Bluetooth which many have said its not great with OEM units but better with aftermarket stereos. But its still less quality than physical jack connection.

Guess that depends on your hearing.

I think this a partial answer to the Kill The Car PC debate, it has most of the features I would like to have in a car pc and its removable.

This tab is great..I had a experiment with it last month..its running speed is ok,very fast..But the size, I think it is more suitable for ladies..well,can not deny that the size is really portable..With the flash function, and it has the camera, also it has mobile phone function, from these few aspects, it may better than ipad..But the touch experiment, I think nobody can surpass apple...